Sep 11 - 23rd Week in OT - Monday

­+ We have consoling readings today. St. Paul demonstrates the dynamic of Christianity by telling the Colossians that he is happy to suffer for you! you who are in the beginning stages of developing into an authentic and true community of believers in the Person of Jesus, who are living stones, and members in the “new body of Christ” – the church!

That’s the way Christianity works: as modeled first of all by Jesus himself, who constantly “laid down his life for his friends, ‘the sheep’” and ultimately by paying the price of their redemption by his own death on the Cross.

The Cross of Christ led to the victory of his Resurrection and the inauguration of the “newness of life” that is now possible for all believers! This is astounding when you stop to think about it!

On this September 11^th, we remember and recall the tragic events that involved the lives of over 3000 Americans in a nightmare of enemy invasion of our country! Especially the playing out of an amazing act of genuine heroism with the passengers of the plane that was commandeered by the passengers, taken from the control of the terrorists, and deliberately crashed into the ground to save even more lives if it finished its course which was some federal building or buildings in Washington, D.C.

We thank these true martyrs for their sacrifice and their love for their country! We will never forget you!

The consolation of the readings is expressed in the responsorial refrain: In God is my safety and glory. When we live our lives animated by the Spirit of Christ – then no matter what goes on around us – including terrorist attacks, hurricanes, or earthquakes – there is a safety zone, a zone of glory and strength that cannot be touched – there is a peace and a Presence that is always there. Thank you, God, It’s you!

In the gospel passage we see Jesus healing on the sabbath, and of course he is criticized by his religious counterparts. Again, Jesus is telling us that common sense, and the willingness to act compassionately and empathetically is right any day of the week, any hour of the day or night!

We must be willing to color outside the lines, temporarily, whenever common sense, justice, and mercy calls for it!

In the rebuilding process that took place after 9/11, and the rebuilding processes that are now underway both in Texas and Florida – we pray that patience and common sense will prevail and that the “outstanding sense of human helpfulness and neighborliness” will also prevail: which is our hallmark as Americans.

And let us never think that the slightest, shortest prayers we utter for the success of the upbuilding goes unheard.

For the Spirit even puts into words, and sends to the ear of God, what we can’t articulate in our weakness!

Mary, Patroness of the United States, and St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church – thank you for your powerful intercession during these storms – and we humbly ask you to continue your prayer.

Amen